Students can now apply for sponsorship to Agriculture Future of America's annual personal and professional development conference. The 2013 AFA Leaders Conference will be held Nov. 7-10 in Kansas City, Mo.Since 1997, AFA has hosted the AFA Leaders Conference to provide unique opportunities to college men and women pursuing agricultural careers. Through the generosity of AFA's partners, students can apply for Conference sponsorship, which covers program registration, curriculum materials, lodging and meals. Travel is not included. As a four-track program, Conference offers four different learning opportunities, complementing the student's year in college. Track 1 focuses on industry and self-assessment and assists freshman students with developing fundamental soft skills crucial for success in college and their careers. Track 2 equips sophomores with communication skills. Track 3 prepares juniors and seniors to live and work in a global market and manage change. Track 4 is a capstone experience for seniors who have attended Track 3. Focusing on lifelong learning, Track 4 is a highly interactive, participant-directed program, including extensive executive mentoring opportunities.Each year, AFA welcomes over 500 students from across the nation to Conference. Last year's delegation represented 33 states, 78 colleges and universities and 97 majors and degree programs. Delegates gain valuable experiences and relationships through opportunities to network with each other and industry professionals. Conference boasts a 3:1 student to industry professional ratio. The AFA Opportunity Fair, held in conjunction with Conference, connects students to internship, job, study abroad and graduate school opportunities. Conference sponsorship is a $1,000 value. Applications are due September 6. To learn more or access the application, please visit www.agfuture.org/leadersconference. Student eligibility requirements: Recommended 3.0 GPA or higherUndergraduate student statusAge 17-25Attending a four-year institution or articulate plans to obtain a four-year degreePossess a passion for agriculturePlans to pursue a career in agricultureIf your organization is interested in partnering with AFA to support student involvement in programs such as AFA Leaders Conference please contact Mark Stewart at mark.stewart@agfuture.org.Colleges and universities have the opportunity to sponsor student participation at a discounted rate. If your institution has not sponsored students in the past, special opportunities exist. Please contact Derek Mulhern at derek.mulhern@agfuture.org for more information.